Magic Stone

• Level: Cantrip
• School: Transmutation
• Casting Time: 1 bonus action
• Range: Touch
• Components: V, S
• Duration: 1 minute

Description

Magic Stone is a versatile cantrip that allows you to imbue up to three pebbles with magical energy, turning them into potent ranged weapons. These stones can be used by you or others to make ranged spell attacks that deal magical damage.

Effects:

• Imbuing Stones:

  • You touch up to three pebbles and imbue them with magic.
  • You or someone else can make a ranged spell attack with one of the stones by throwing it or hurling it with a sling.
  • If thrown, the stone has a range of 60 feet. If used with a sling, the normal range of the sling applies.

• Damage:

  • On a hit, the target takes bludgeoning damage equal to 1d6 + your spellcasting ability modifier.
  • The stones retain their magic for 1 minute or until you cast this spell again.

• Usability:

  • You can use your spellcasting ability for the attack roll.
  • If someone else uses the stones, they use your spellcasting ability modifier for the attack roll as well.

Strategic Applications:

• Versatile Combat Option:

  • Magic Stone allows you to turn ordinary pebbles into effective weapons, providing a consistent source of ranged damage. It's particularly useful when you are out of other spell slots or when conserving resources.

• Teamwork and Sharing:

  • The stones can be given to allies who might not have strong ranged attacks, allowing them to benefit from your spellcasting ability. This can be particularly useful for front-line fighters or characters with limited ranged options.

• Non-Lethal and Utility Uses:

  • The stones can be used in creative ways outside of combat. For example, they could be used to knock out an enemy non-lethally, as the damage is still considered bludgeoning and can be described as less lethal.

• Improvised Weaponry:

  • Magic Stone is an excellent spell for improvised situations where traditional weapons might not be available. It's also useful in scenarios where using a weapon might be suspicious or where stealth is needed, as the stones can be thrown quietly.

Limitations:

• Limited Duration:

  • The magic on the stones lasts only 1 minute, so they must be used relatively quickly or risk losing their enchantment.

• Limited Quantity:

  • You can only enchant three stones at a time, so the spell is not suited for prolonged engagements without recasting.

• Ranged Attack Dependency:

  • The effectiveness of Magic Stone depends on making a ranged spell attack, which can be a disadvantage in melee combat or for characters who are not proficient with ranged attacks.

• Competition for Bonus Action:

  • Casting Magic Stone uses a bonus action, which might compete with other bonus action spells or abilities you want to use in the same turn.

Notes:

• Roleplay and Thematic Use:

  • This spell is great for characters with a connection to nature, earth, or craftsmanship. Druids and warlocks with an affinity for stone, earth, or simple, rustic magic will find it thematically fitting.

• Synergy with Slings:

  • When used with a sling, Magic Stone can be a surprisingly powerful option, especially for characters or NPCs that use slings as their primary ranged weapon.

• Ideal For:

  • Druids and warlocks will find Magic Stone to be a handy and thematic addition to their cantrip arsenal, providing a reliable source of magical damage that can be shared with allies.